DEUTSCH DERBY IS HAMBURG'S BIG DAY OUT

Xander Brett takes a trip to the Horner Rennbahn to attend the German Detrby

- Xander Brett

If you're after comparisons, Hamilton Park is the best I can offer. In the suburbs of Germany's second city, the U-Bahn (or, at least, a repair bus extension of it) has dropped me at Horner Rennbahn, five kilometres from Hamburg city centre. Distant flats loom over a white-painted weighing room.

A paddock lies amongst reeds and wooden saddling boxes. The grandstand opens onto the street. And, to my right, a multi-story hotel complex sits beside a cross-course tunnel. Hamburg Racecourse is no beauty (unlike, indeed, the relative charm of Hamilton). And with tickets around 15 Euro, it may seem a strange host for the G1 German Derby. But what this course lacks in appearance, it makes up for in atmosphere.

From the tables of its beer garden, and the tents of its stodge servings, a local crowd fervently cheer home each contest. It's Day 5 of the Derby meeting, and Danedream is front and centre of a nearby German racing power poster. Torquato Tasso nestles to her right. And, should things work out, Fantastic Moon - this year's Derby hero may be joining them next year.